He Yun
Master Kong Jing, whose common name is Xu Yehong, was born in Jinniu Town, Lujiang County, Anhui Province on February/0/5, 927. Studying in Tongren, Guizhou during the Anti-Japanese War. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, he studied in Nanjing No.1 Middle School. He left the mainland for Taiwan Province Province on 1949. I got to know Mr. (later generations), studied philosophy and Buddhism under Mr. Fang, and then studied Buddhism for thirteen years under the guidance of Master Zhang Jia and his teacher. 1July, 959, I had my hair shaved at Linji Temple in Yuanshan, Taipei. My dharma name is clean, and my words are clear. After converting to Buddhism, he diligently studied Buddhist theories and classics, and gave lectures and preached in Taiwan Province Island. /kloc-since 0/960, he has served as a Buddhist commentator, lecturer, professor and chief lecturer in Buddhist lectures in Buddhist colleges. He is currently the president of Dallas Buddhist Association, the president of Australian Society, the mentor of Singapore Society and the mentor of Singapore Buddhist scholar Lin.
As a well-known Buddhist monk in Chinese mainland, Master Kong Jing has returned to China to visit relatives and friends for more than ten years. 1From the end of March to the beginning of April, 1999, the old monk stayed in Beijing for a few days, during which he paid a special visit to Mr. Zhao Puchu, vice chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the Chinese Buddhist Association, and had a pleasant conversation with Ye Xiaowen, deputy director of the State Bureau of Religious Affairs of China, and Jiang, deputy director of the Second United Front Work Department. Pu Zhao, who had known this teacher's father for many years, was very concerned about Master's recent progress in spreading laws in Singapore and overseas. Director Ye warmly affirmed the master's touching deeds of carrying forward China's excellent cultural traditions, adhering to the position of peaceful reunification between the two sides of the strait, and especially devoting himself to domestic flood fighting and disaster relief.
Although the trip to Beijing is short, it has played a very good role in further promoting Buddhist exchanges at home and abroad and enhancing understanding.
On April 3rd, I had a brief interview with the old mage at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The following is the main content of this interview:
He Yun (hereinafter referred to as He): Thank you for your kindness and giving this interview opportunity. As we all know, in Chinese mainland, more than one million believers have read and are listening to this old master's works and tapes. Among overseas Chinese, there are more believers who listened to the works of the master earlier. If we say that "where there are people from China, there must be Jin Yong", then where there are people from China, there must be well-written Buddhist works. I believe this is not an exaggeration. More specifically, it can be said that most temples in Chinese mainland have scriptures and books donated by the Buddha Education Foundation. However, many people have benefited from these books, but few people know their origins. First of all, I'd like to ask the master to introduce me.
Master Kong Jing (hereinafter referred to as Master): The cause of this incident was in 1984. I was lecturing in Hong Kong, and Master Hongxun came to see me. She told me that after the Cultural Revolution in Chinese mainland, there was a lack of Buddhist scriptures in temples. You have the Buddha Education Foundation. Can you provide more help? After I asked her if there was a safe and legal delivery channel, I agreed. Ask her how much it costs. Master Hong Xun replied that the more the better. Since then, we have printed and donated scriptures in Taiwan Province Province and overseas, always leaving more than 50% to the mainland, and printing and distributing more important scriptures.
Mr. Hu: From 1989 to 1995, the Buddha Education Foundation donated more than 800 Tripitaka to the mainland. 1993, Beijing Library, Shanghai Library and national key universities collected 33 volumes of the Catalogue of Sikuquanshu. The price of this set of 500 copies of "Necessities" is more than 200,000 yuan each, and these two items alone add up to 20 million yuan. We know that you have never built a temple, and you have spent all your fortune on Buddhist culture and education. What is your relationship with Taiwan Province Buddha Education Foundation now?
Teacher: This foundation was founded by Jane and me. I was the first chairman. From the beginning, I asked to change the semester regularly so that I wouldn't be named at the end. But so far, I have resigned more than a dozen times, and I can't quit. Still a nominal chairman, he was warmly welcomed by their public. Actually, I haven't asked about them for years.
Mr. Hu: In the past ten years, you have made more efforts to the Jing Zong Institution. I want to ask the master to introduce this.
Teacher: 1988, I came to Beijing to visit Huang Nianzu, an old Buddhist and a great scholar of contemporary religion. We have the same legal origin, and we are all committed to researching and popularizing the Infinite Life Classic collected by Xia Lianju. He said that the old lay people in Xia Lianju have a great desire, that is, to promote a "pure sectarian society", hoping that I can start it overseas first. In my opinion, Xia Laoju used the word "Xue" well, which is the modernization of the ancient "Lotus Society". I totally agree! This Buddhist educational organization based solely on the Chinese community has been established all over the world. In the "political stance" of society, it is emphasized that "we will always support the great cause of the reunification of the motherland and any measures conducive to national harmony, religious harmony and people's peace and happiness." At present, under my initiative, there are more than 50 purely sectarian societies or societies specializing in pure business all over the world. Their nature is the same as that of the lotus society in the past. They are independent and have no subordinate organizations, but only communicate with each other and help each other, especially in studying teachings and practicing Buddhism. The personnel, finance and administration of each association are independent and comfortable. We have no right to ask. Because of the love of students from all over the world, they often accept invitations to give lectures and preach the law. Therefore, we have the opportunity to invite all pure sects to be brothers with Buddhism, help each other, internalize others, downplay forms, pay attention to practical cultivation, always remember the purpose of "learning from Buddhism as a teacher, being a model, believing in Buddhism and returning to the pure land", and work hard to promote Buddhism and Pure Land Sect!
Mr. Hu: Under your initiative, more and more people specialize in the Pure Land Method. I know there are some young intellectuals in Beijing However, there are also some laymen who are very confused. For example, they are confused about your proposal to recite only the Buddha's name. Please give us some explanation and point out the direction.
Teacher: "Buddha" is the education of Buddha and the teaching of wisdom, guiding us how to be a man and how to live. Buddhism is not about narrow circles-such as race, religion, academics, countries and the world, but infinite time, space and boundless world. You can choose to study according to your own needs and wishes. No matter which course you choose, you must adhere to a general principle, that is, "an in-depth and long-term training." The pure land method is most suitable for the roots of modern society, and can be used at any time and anywhere. In sports, in silence, at work and at rest, you can do whatever you want. The times are constantly developing and the society is constantly transforming. If we can keep a sincere and pure heart, keep the idea of staying away from the Six Tao forever, and keep the improvement of learning from Buddhism, we will never return empty-handed.
Hu: You particularly emphasized "sincere desire and firm confidence".
Teacher: Yes. If scholars have doubts about Jing Zong's theory, method, realm or mentor, it doesn't matter. You can learn what you think is right for you, but you must have confidence in your teacher and yourself. I have been fortunate to meet three good teachers in these decades. When I approached Mr. Fang Dongmei, I realized that learning Buddhism is the highest enjoyment in life. In the era of following Master Zhang Jia, I understand the true meaning of the sentence "I can see through, I can let go". So, in the next ten years, I approached the old lay man in Li Bingnan and wrote down everything I had learned before according to the teacher's request. At that time, I deeply realized that even if there are thousands of theories, all ministries can open up a round solution; 80,000 Dharmas, all doors can be straightforward and interesting, but those who study Buddhism must follow one door and one road. Only in this way can the heart be single-minded, single-minded, firm and wise naturally. Perseverance, whether in Buddhist knowledge or in practice, will have obvious achievements.
Although the pure land method is difficult to generate confidence, it is easy to learn. Therefore, as long as we are willing to work hard, do not doubt, do not stop, practice for a long time, and turn every heart into the heart of "Amitabha", we will certainly achieve.
He: From the perspective of religious history, when people encounter the historical juncture of rapid social transformation, great changes within religion and great reforms, the so-called "coming events cast their shadows before them" always has unprecedented wisdom and insight, which shocked the world. Hui Neng, the sixth ancestor, is an example. Accordingly, as a believer of his contemporaries, he may need to examine his own quality and mind more to adapt to the changes of the times.
Teacher: The education of Buddhism, like that of Confucianism, has at least three levels: First, it teaches people to understand the relationship between people and live in harmony in any different nationalities and beliefs. The second is to educate people to understand the relationship between man and nature. Why is there a crisis of earth's ecological environment today? Why is the earth sick? Because people don't know how to get along with nature. The third is to teach people to understand the relationship between man and heaven, earth and ghosts and gods, which is often beyond the power of modern intellectuals, so they often regard Buddhism as a "religion." To make matters worse, it is a pity to equate it with "superstition". Huang Nianzu, a layman in science and engineering, said that the universe actually has multidimensional space, but people don't know how to break through multidimensional space-time. The Buddha told us that Buddhism is a truth, and multi-dimension is realized by the delusion, separation and persistence of all beings. As long as we can completely let go of delusion, separation and persistence, we can break through the dimension of time and space and see a real realm that ordinary people can't see. This is the ultimate goal of Buddha's education, turning the world into a saint.
Ho: This year is 1999, which coincides with the "end of the century". The "complex at the end of the century" is disturbing. To this end, Buddhist Culture magazine organized an article about "the end of the century", and would like you to send readers a message about "the end of the century".
Teacher: If the heart is clean, the body is also clean; Clean body and mind, clean environment. A fundamental principle of Buddhism is to ask people to "turn around at will". On the other hand, "the heart turns with the environment", such as watching feng shui, fortune telling and fortune telling, then the fate of a person's life must be dominated by the outside world. Buddha said that this man is a poor man. I have been advocating the "Four Good Movements: Kindness, Kindness, Good Words and Being a Good Person" overseas. If so, your fate will be decided by your own heart, and there will be no "end-of-century complex".
He: 1992, Dean Zhao Puchu delivered an important speech on training Buddhist talents at the symposium of Chinese Department in Shanghai, pointing out that "the most important thing for China Buddhism at present and in the future is to train talents, followed by talents, and the third is to train talents!" In overseas Buddhist circles, it is the Singaporean Buddhist scholar Lin He Society who responded to the call at the earliest and most actively, and trained the talents to preach and spread Buddhism for the motherland. In the following years from 1992, the Chinese Buddhist Association held several deacons' training courses in China, and overseas, you initiated and held four training courses for French-teaching talents (most of the students came from China). Your educational concept in this respect is not only conscious, but also unique. Master also leads the trend in promoting Buddha education by using modern media such as radio, television, satellite television and the Internet. I would like to ask you to introduce this concept.
Teacher: A few years ago, an old monk from Huang Nianzu, a Buddhist monk from Korea and several eminent monks often advised me to set up a school to cultivate talents and promote Buddhism. I have the same wish, but my human and financial resources are insufficient. I'm waiting for my chance. Later, he went to Singapore to preach the law, and Han Jushi and Li Muyuan talked about it. Li Jushi was determined to achieve this industry, and the training course of Buddhism propaganda in Singapore was established accordingly. After the second training, all of us have strengthened our confidence and willingness in this move, so that our long-cherished wish can be realized and the great kindness of the Buddha can be rewarded. Only when talented people come forth in large numbers can they continue to be wise, spread Buddhism, benefit students and live in Buddhism for a long time. Although the formal education of Buddhism is important, it is also important for the opportunity education of all sentient beings.
I once went to the Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai when Master Zhenchan was alive. I passed by Tianwang Temple when he saw me off. I told him that you had to deal with other guests, so please stay. Because I saw two overseas sightseeing groups gathering there at that time, the tour guide was not as good as the French, and no young monk came out to speak. This is the best educational opportunity, so I went up to them and told them: What is the King Temple? This is the first introduction to Buddhism. The first sight of Maitreya Bodhisattva (a cloth bag monk) is the first condition for teaching everyone to become a Buddha. You should learn to be tolerant, patient, lifelong and happy. This is the premise! Next, I explained to them the image and meaning of the four heavenly kings, and the interest of tourists became stronger and stronger. In fact, the teaching of Buddhism is very artistic. Every statue, every ceremony and every offering is a good teaching tool with infinite profound and broad expression interest. If we enter any temple, the first thing we see in Tennoja is a statue of Maitreya, naked in the chest and smiling, which means that if we want to learn from Buddha and be a bodhisattva, we must first practice from "joy and generosity". We should learn to be tolerant and considerate, always greet people with a smile, don't worry, and treat everyone equally. Only in this way can we qualify for fumigation in Buddhism. From this point of view, this "smile movement" was first put forward by Buddhism. In addition, all the statues, such as "Four Heavenly Kings", "Four Bodhisattvas" and "Eighteen Arhats", offer incense, flowers and fruits, and so on, each of which has its own profound meaning.
Think about it, all the sculpture arts in Buddhist education have wonderful educational functions. As a mage, it would be a pity if you can't take the opportunity to speak out and benefit the visiting public!
Hu: After the trip to Beijing, what are the plans of the Master and Li Muyuan for continuing the training of Buddhist talents in the future?
Teacher: There is no specific plan, because if we continue to train talents to preach Buddhism and lecture for the motherland, we must follow domestic policies and regulations, follow safe steps, and obtain the support and cooperation of the Chinese Buddhist Association. I hope this kind of training course is best held in China.
Hu: Master has rich experience in using the "first media"-television to spread Buddhism overseas. Please talk about your future thoughts.
Teacher: I think this is a central topic of Buddhism in 2 1 century. Looking around the world today, social unrest in many countries and regions is due to the lack of moral and ethical education. If we make use of modern science and technology, we can broadcast a little Buddhist education on TV every day, not much, just one hour every day. After one year, this social situation will definitely improve. If I have money, I will set up a Buddhist satellite TV. It's a pity that I spent so much money to repair the temple statue. Of course, no matter where you are, you should be careful and carefully examine the "Buddhist education" program with such a large coverage. However, such a good tool must be used frequently. I now have seven TV stations in the United States broadcasting my lecture program, which is repeated once a day for half an hour five times a week. In order to adapt to the TV broadcast, I will give a lecture in half an hour, and then stop for five seconds after half an hour, so as to make a video tape in different periods. It is not easy to cultivate talents who know both English and Buddhism because of the great obstacles in overseas language teaching.
Hu: Last year, at the initiative of Mr. Lin Lao, Singaporean Buddhist scholars and societies actively donated money and materials for flood fighting and disaster relief in China. In summer alone, the donation exceeded one million yuan, and in winter,100000 sets of winter cotton-padded clothes and trousers were prepared for the people in the disaster-stricken areas in Northeast China.
Li Muyuan's furniture (hereinafter referred to as Li): We commissioned reliable and pious furniture in Northeast China, which not only reduced the cost of each set to about 50 to 60 yuan on the premise of ensuring high-quality raw materials, but also handed it over to laid-off women workers for processing, creating some employment opportunities.
Ho: Money and goods add up to more than 10 million, and not many people in China know about it.
Li (laughs): Our principle is to get it all, because we are compatriots. How can I remember this account? For example, who will remember to give money to parents and children? In recent years, when we returned to China with the group, we found that there were too many meals to eat, so we all brought food bags, packed clean meals and gave them to those in need. Life is short, it's fleeting. There is no point in caring about personal interests. Master can't do without lectures for a day. Is this for him personally? That's not true.
Mr. Hu: Many people know the name of this Buddhist in China, but not many people really know you, because you and this master have led Singaporean Buddhists to do a lot for China and Buddhism. However, how can such a large donation and materials be put into use?
Li (laughs): This is causal money. He is responsible for the cause and effect. Master always said: "Buddha" is "Buddha's education". We should learn how to teach Buddha. Everyone pursues happiness. What is happiness? How can we get a perfect life? In my opinion, it is just four words: "Follow the instruction." Observe the "Eight Righteousness" and you will live a peaceful life.
Teacher (laughs): When you see money, you are a monster. When you see money, you are a Buddha and a bodhisattva.
Hu: It is said that the mage and the layman are preparing the "Singapore Religious Peace Carnival" in Singapore.
Li: The time is set from February 65438+ to1October 200 1, because scientists say that 200 1 is the beginning of 2 1 century. We hope that at the beginning of 2 1 century, we can truly realize the great unity of the nine religions in Singapore, not only among the churches, but also among the believers of all religions, so as to achieve unity, harmonious cooperation and glory, just like this room full of lights, not only one light shines, but all the rooms are bright. Which light do you think is the role?
Teacher: The Singapore government is also actively supporting this big event, which has made great contributions to social stability and racial harmony. In terms of sources of funds, we are also trying to raise funds. I gave a lecture on Hua Yan Jing in Singapore, hoping that the theory, practice and realm mentioned by the Buddha in the classic can be implemented in everyone's life, work and dealing with others, so that they can enjoy happiness. Hua Yan Jing shows that all sentient beings, people, things and things in the void law world all come from the same self, so all laws are equal and law comes first. All races and religions are first, and there is no second or third. It's too late for everyone to be harmonious and happy with each other. What are we fighting for?
He: I hope this activity will be successful and become a new measure to rewrite religious history in the new century. Thanks to Master Li Jushi for being interviewed!